Transitioning Your Winter Skincare To Summer

Spring is in the air, and summertime is right around the corner, which means you're probably planning vacations, trying to figure out what to do with your kiddos while they're out of school, and pulling out your summer clothes and putting your winter ones in storage.

But have you thought about Transitioning Your Winter Skincare To Summer yet?

While you may have your winter skin routine locked down, you may not realize you need to switch things up as well in the skincare department. Just like our bodies have different needs in the warmer weather, so does our skin.

After all, your skin is your body's largest organ, so you need to nourish it appropriately. Your skin needs extra TLC during the hottest months of the year from all the SPF, self-tanner, and other things you slather on during the summer, not to mention environmental toxins, chlorine, and saltwater.

Let's take a look at how you can transition your cold-weather skincare to warmer weather and protect it from the sun's rays and more. 

SPF Switch Up 

While we all know at this point the importance of using an SPF year-round, you may be getting your recommended SPF from products you already use during the winter.

Many foundations and moisturizers already contain SPF of at least a factor of 30. During the summer, when you're going to be spending more time outdoors, you want to use a stand-alone SPF product to protect your face's delicate skin.

So, after your cleanse and moisturize, before you put on your makeup, make sure you're adding a facial SPF. For your body, use another SPF when you are spending extended time outdoors - and make sure you reapply after swimming or sweating. 

Use Targeted Treatments 

When you spend excessive time outdoors, your skin is prone to all types of health issues, from melasma to scarier problems like skin cancer. If you develop skin issues, treat them immediately before they progress.

A common issue from sun exposure is hyperpigmentation, so a dark spot corrector is a summer must-have. The summer sun can also accelerate the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, so incorporating a retinol serum into your nighttime routine is a great idea to stave those off.

If you're not used to using a retinoid, it's best to start slowly, once a week, and build up to several times a week over time.

If you develop any moles that change in shape or color, seek the advice of your GP or a dermatologist immediately; while they could be benign, it's best to err on the side of caution in such situations. 

Keep Your Skin Hydrated 

While most of us are pros at slathering on the hydrating creams and moisturizers during colder months as the dry, cold air makes our skin prone to cracking and drying out, you still need to hydrate in the summer.

You can opt for a lighter moisturizer or use a serum alone (especially if prone to oily skin), but you still want to make sure you keep your skin hydrated. Since most of us wear less makeup during the summer, an easy way to get this done is with a tinted moisturizer (do your SPF underneath it).

Don't Underestimate Eye Creams. 

You're probably set when it comes to oversized sunglasses and sun hats for the summer, but that doesn't mean there won't be times when you're still squinting in the sunlight under those powerful summer rays.

The skin around our eyes is even more delicate than the rest of the skin on our face, which is already fragile enough.

Make sure you're using an eye cream to hydrate around your eyes this summer. Investing in one that targets dark circles and puffiness. Better to take care of your eyes each night than shell out for Botox after the summer.

While slugging petroleum products around the eyes are having a moment right now, it may not benefit you if you're prone to clogged pores or acne - so tread carefully with this skincare trend. 

Taking care of your skin is a year-round affair, but it will pay off in spades if you are diligent. A beautiful complexion, fighting wrinkles, and avoiding issues like unwanted dark spots or freckles is all worth the work.

Use the above-mentioned ways to keep your skin radiant and healthy all summer long.